5 Plant-Based Holiday Treats: Healthy Cookies, Ice Cream & Chocolate Delights
The holidays are officially here, and so are all the nostalgic flavors we grew up loving—but with a wholesome, plant-powered twist. As Harvard School of Public Health notes, “choosing plant-based desserts rich in whole ingredients can help reduce saturated fat intake while providing antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients.” This season, we’re celebrating the classics—eggnog, cookies, chocolate—with recipes that honor tradition and your well-being.
Inspired By This Month’s Celebrations
December brings a flurry of delicious festivities, making it the perfect time to reinvent holiday favorites. This week’s treats are inspired by:
National Eggnog Month, National Cookie Day, National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day, National Candy Cane Day
Let’s dive into festive treats your taste buds—and body—can celebrate.
Vegan Ginger Cookies
Warm, spiced, and wonderfully festive, these plant-based ginger cookies deliver the comforting flavors of the holidays without the processed ingredients.
Gingerbread is a timeless holiday flavor. These cookies bring cozy warmth and nostalgia while keeping ingredients clean, simple, and plant-based which is ideal for parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting.
Health Benefits:
Ginger contains gingerol, a natural compound shown to reduce inflammation and support digestion especially helpful during heavier holiday meals. Using coconut oil or avocado oil reduces saturated fat compared to butter. Whole-grain flour increases fiber for better blood sugar control, and molasses provides trace minerals like iron and magnesium.
Tips:
Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes to improve cookie shape and deepen the spice flavor. Use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a gentler glycemic effect. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fudgy Vegan Beet Brownies
Chocolatey, decadent, and secretly nutritious. These beet brownies are a holiday dessert win.
Chocolate desserts are essential for any holiday table. These brownies are festive, vibrant, and indulgent but far healthier than traditional versions, making them great for potlucks and chocolate lovers alike.
Health Benefits:
Beets are rich in betalains, which fight oxidative stress and support natural detoxification. They also improve nitric oxide levels, promoting better blood flow and heart health. Cocoa provides antioxidants that support mood and immune function—key during cold and flu season. Using flax eggs adds omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Tips:
Blend cooked beets until velvety smooth to lighten the batter and retain moisture. Choose minimally processed cacao for a higher antioxidant content. Reduce oil by replacing part of it with beet purée to make the brownies even more nutrient-dense.
Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
Holiday pies, cobblers, and warm cookies beg for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This is a crowd-pleasing, allergen-friendly option that pairs effortlessly with every dessert on the Christmas table.
Health Benefits:
Cashews or coconut milk offer plant-based healthy fats that help with satiety and energy balance. Dairy-free ice cream is easier on digestion and suitable for lactose-intolerant loved ones. Vanilla contains antioxidants and mood-supporting compounds that pair beautifully with seasonal desserts.
Tips:
Soak cashews overnight for maximum creaminess. Add a splash of alcohol-free vanilla extract or scrape a vanilla bean for richer flavor. Blend with dates for natural sweetness and added fiber.
Avocado Ice Cream
Yes, avocado! And it’s a game changer. Smooth, luxurious, and lightly sweetened, this treat takes holiday indulgence to another level.
It’s a refreshing counterbalance to heavier holiday foods. This vibrant, creamy dessert impresses guests, especially those seeking lighter or dairy-free alternatives.
Health Benefits:
Avocados supply heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients help stabilize blood sugar and support healthy cholesterol levels. Because avocados are naturally creamy, less added fat is needed, keeping the recipe lighter.
Tips:
Use fully ripe avocados for the smoothest, buttery texture. Sweeten with dates or banana to keep it naturally sweet but fiber-rich. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten the flavor and prevent browning.
Red-dish Velvet Cookies with Vegan Cream Cheese Glaze
Beautiful, festive, and perfect for cookie boxes or party trays, these cookies deliver classic red velvet flavor using plant-forward ingredients.
These cookies look stunning on dessert boards with their festive red color and creamy white glaze. They’re great for gifting, cookie boxes, or holiday gatherings and they taste indulgent without compromising health.
Health Benefits:
Natural red color (from beets or freeze-dried berry powder) avoids artificial dyes linked to hyperactivity and inflammation. The cocoa in red velvet adds antioxidants. Vegan cream cheese cuts saturated fat and eliminates lactose, making it gentler on digestion.
Tips:
Bake just until the edges set to maintain a soft, cake-like texture. Use beet powder for a deeper red hue and added nutrients. Let cookies fully cool before glazing to prevent melting.
🩺 Doctor’s Orders
“As always, keep your celebrations joyful—and heart-friendly. Use plant-based milk to reduce saturated fat. Sweeten naturally with fruits or maple syrup to keep treats blood sugar-friendly.”
More Healthy Guidance from Your Physician In The Kitchen:
- Incorporate spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—they support digestion and stabilize post-meal blood sugar.
- Choose whole-food fats like avocados, nuts, and seeds to boost satiety and cut cravings.
- Increase fiber by swapping in oats, whole-wheat pastry flour, or ground flaxseed where possible.
- Enjoy sweets mindfully—pair treats with protein or fiber to keep energy levels stable.
- Stay hydrated; holiday treats can be dehydrating, and water helps balance blood sugar.
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